News and research before you hear about it on CNBC and others. Claim your 2-week free trial to StreetInsider Premiumhere.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday it is investigating a natural gas pipeline explosion that killed one and injured 11 in Canton, Illinois.

The explosion occurred at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday near the main square in the town of 15,000 people in central Illinois, local officials said. Several buildings were damaged and a two-block area was evacuated.